An RBI hit by left outfielder Sienna Rievely in the seventh inning closed out the first round of softball playoffs, ending in a 5-0 win against Bakersfield College on Saturday.
As this game was the second in a possible double-header, the Vikings were set as the away team and began the game at-bat.
Third baseman Michelle Cervantes throws ball to first base to get out the opposing runner out on Saturday. (Isabel Murty)
Pitcher Hailey Harris took the mound again and pitched a complete game, allowing one hit, and played a key part in keeping Bakersfield in a deadlock until the fifth inning.
Rievely scored an inside-the-park home run during the fifth inning, determined to put the team into motion.
“I really wanted to get the ball rolling… I realized we needed to wake up, ” Rievely said.
In the seventh inning, Bakersfield made crucial errors in catches at first base, and allowed for the Vikings to make the plays they needed.
Right fielder Mikaela Pacheco singled with a two RBI hit, followed by two one RBI hits by center fielder Alesa Gonzalez and Rievely.
First baseman and conference MVP for two years in a row, Anaya Togia believed that the team played better than Friday by making the most out of their opportunities.
“We started by focusing on the pitcher, but it wasn’t working out so we changed… [first base] came in late, we got on top of her, and we won,” said Togia.
The upswing of the seventh inning was interrupted by a direct hit to the forehead taken by Michelle Cervantes, who was downed, but was able to stand and left the field to a standing ovation.
Head coach Megan Martinez got a medic to Cervantes as soon as she was downed.
“She was taken to urgent care and was declared fit to play after 48 hours had passed. She’s already met with the college’s doctor and has to meet with our two trainers to see if she’s fit to continue practicing [on Tuesday]. It was a scary moment for her, a lot of emotions were involved,” said Martinez.
After the game, Martinez expressed that the team is defined by every single player.
The Vikings softball athletes and coaching staff pose around the pitchers mound on Saturday as the team advances to the second round of playoffs. (Isabel Murty)
“We’re one through 22 deep, it’s not just about the nine players on the field… 22 players is what matters. We’re excited to be regional champions and look forward to hosting super regionals next weekend,” said Martinez.
Round two of the CCCAA SoCal Regional Playoffs will be hosted at the LBCC Softball complex on May 9 and 10 against El Camino College.